Curbed

The European Union is moving to restrict the energy and water use of data centres, as the sector's rapid growth strains power grids and water supplies across the bloc. The proposal targets the booming infrastructure behind cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and is drawing debate about how far regulators should go in limiting an industry seen as key to Europe's digital economy.

A data center developer has filed a lawsuit against a city, reportedly St. Louis, challenging a local requirement that new data centers supply renewable energy on-site. The dispute highlights a growing clash between rapid data center expansion driven by AI demand and municipal efforts to curb emissions and energy strain. Commenters are debating whether cities can lawfully impose green energy conditions on developers, and whether such rules protect residents or deter investment.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is lobbying the US administration to hold off on a new round of export restrictions that would hit ASML's China business. US lawmakers are pushing legislation that could tighten controls on the Dutch chip-equipment maker's immersion lithography systems and its servicing activities for Chinese customers, putting The Hague and Washington at odds over the scope of semiconductor curbs.

The Xi-Trump summit concluded without US export controls on semiconductors being a major talking point, according to the South China Morning Post. The omission is notable given that Washington's chip curbs on China have been one of the most contentious issues in bilateral trade and technology relations, and observers had expected the topic to feature prominently in the leaders' discussions.

India has proposed banning junk food sales in school canteens and within 50 meters of schools, a move aimed at curbing rising obesity and diabetes rates among children. The proposal would restrict children's access to unhealthy snacks both inside school grounds and from nearby vendors, reflecting growing official concern over diet-related health problems among young Indians.

Supermodel Linda Evangelista has sold her penthouse loft in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood for $6.75 million. The apartment, located in a building known as the Spears building, drew attention for its architectural appeal and celebrity provenance. The sale highlights continued demand for luxury lofts in one of New York's most desirable districts, and gives a glimpse into the high-end property holdings of one of fashion's most recognizable faces.